It seems to be a crazy day for Iron Maiden with the announcement earlier today that Bruce Dickinson will be retiring from the band and that Maiden will be re-recording their classic songs with legendary heavy metal vocalists. However, the latest news from the Iron Maiden is one that many wouldn't have seen coming in a million years. Former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno has announced that he will be launching a new band that blends heavy metal music with traditional British pub music.

"It's a dying art form." states Di'Anno, "Pubs in Britain are being closed at an alarming rate and at this rate there won't be a traditional British pub left! The old pub sing-a-longs are almost a thing of the past too and that's no good. So I put my mind to work and came to the conclusion that I really needed to do something to help out. I've called up a few mates of mine and we're gonna be forming a band to save the pint! Think Iron Maiden meets Chas and Dave, something totally new! We'll be recording our debut album, 'All Hail To The Ale' later this year, probably around the summer time and then we'll be doing a tour of the UK in, where else? The pub circuit! Oh and one more thing I should probably mention is the name of the band! We're called Blind Beggar and anyone familiar with the history of London will be able to tell you why we chose that!

"See you all soon then

"Your new landlord, Paul Di'Anno"

Blind Beggar mainly features musicians from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement such as former Iron Maiden and Samson drummer Barry "Thunder Stick" Graham and former Angel Witch bass player Kevin Riddles in addition to guitarist Captain Sensible, of legendary punk rock band The Damned. Rumour has it that legendary Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan will be joining in the fun on the album too. You can have a look at what to expect from the band in the video below.